Machine, Computer Readable Medium, and Computer-Implemented Method for File Management, Storage, and Display

ABSTRACT

File management machines, computer readable media, and methods of file management, are provided. An exemplary file management machine includes a file management server configured to receive or retrieve user files through an electronic communication/computer network to provide categorical organization and establishment of albums. The file management server can also function to create member user and visitor accounts. The visitor accounts can be provided individual custom access by the member user to provide individualized tailored access to a subset of the files uploaded by the member user. The visitor accounts can be used as to gather information about the file unknown to the member user.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to and thebenefit of: U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/028,232,filed Sep. 16, 2013, titled “Machine, Computer Readable Medium, andComputer-Implemented Method for File Management, Storage, and Display,”which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser.No. 12/620,995, filed Nov. 18, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,538,966, titled“Machine, Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method for FileManagement, Storage, and Access Utilizing a User-Selected TriggerEvent,” which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/116,814, by Reese et al., titled “System,Program Product, and Method for File Management, Storage, and Retrieval”filed Nov. 21, 2008; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/116,831, by Reese et al., titled “System, Program Product, and Methodfor File Management, Storage, and Retrieval” filed Nov. 21, 2008; U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,862, by Reese et al.,titled “System, Program Product, and Method for File Management,Storage, and Retrieval” filed Nov. 21, 2008; U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/116,894, by Reese et al., titled “System,Program Product, and Method for File Management, Storage, and Retrieval”filed Nov. 21, 2008; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/116,914, by Reese et al., titled “System, Program Product, and Methodfor File Management, Storage, and Retrieval” filed Nov. 21, 2008, all ofwhich are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.This application also relates to: U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/620,944, by Reese et al., titled “Machine, Program Product, andComputer-Implemented Method for File Management, Storage, and Display”filed on Nov. 18, 2009; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/440,871, byReese, et al., titled “Machine, Computer Readable Medium, andComputer-Implemented Method For File Management, Storage, and Displayfiled on Apr. 5, 2012; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/620,963, byReese et al., titled “Machine, Program Product, and Computer-ImplementedMethod for File Management and Storage” filed on Nov. 18, 2009; U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/621,059, by Reese et al., titled“Machine, Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method forRandomized Slide Show of Files” filed on Nov. 18, 2009, now abandoned;and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/621,033, by Reese et al., titled“Machine, Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method for FileManagement, Storage, and Display in Albums Utilizing a Questionnaire”filed on Nov. 18, 2009, now abandoned, all of which are eachincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates generally to file management andorganization, and, more particularly, to machines, program products, andmethods of file management, storage, and display, including computerscrapbooking and journaling.

2. Description of the Related Art

With the proliferation of inexpensive digital cameras, including theubiquity of camera phones, personal photography has never been morecommon. It is known, however, that many photographs are underutilized.Typically, personal photographs are haphazardly stored in drawers andboxes (if prints) or computer folders and memory devices (if digitalfiles), uncategorized and rarely viewed by anyone. Photo albums providewell known means for storing and viewing photographs. A photo album is abook with blank pages used for making a collection of photographs.However, the tasks associated with organizing, storing, and selectingphotographs for photo albums are quite time-consuming and requireextensive decision-making. While photo albums generally displayphotographs with or without captions, scrapbooks feature other mementosin addition to photographs, such as, e.g., ticket stubs, letters,announcements, invitations, bulletins, programs, receipts, and the like.Due to the inclusion of these mementos, scrapbooks often provide bettercontext for photographs than photo albums, but at a cost of even moreextensive decision-making.

Similarly, it is known that the proliferation of movie clips, audioclips, and other electronic files has resulted in unorganized,underutilized clutter on computer and file storage systems. Likewise, itis well known that personal documents are often haphazardly stored anduncategorized, including, e.g., personal financial records such asbrokerage receipts and tax records, personal medical records such asimmunization charts, and government documents such as marriage licenses.

Digital slide shows and rotating picture frames are known, and theinclusion of a photograph in a particular computer folder typicallydetermines its inclusion in the slide show or rotation. That is, thelocation of the file, whether in a particular folder (or not),determines its inclusion (or exclusion) from the slide show.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, Applicant has recognized a need for fileorganization systems, machines, program products, and methods of filemanagement, storage, and display.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for converting photographicprints and documents, i.e., hardcopies, into digital or computerizedfiles, i.e., softcopies, and then into organized electronic albums andthe display thereof. The conversion from photographic prints anddocuments to digital files, i.e., from hardcopies to softcopies, caninclude, for example, use of a scanner or other input device thatdigitizes an optical image into an electronic image represented asbinary data as understood by those skilled in the art. The conversionfrom digital files to organized electronic albums can include, forexample, the use of an icon palette as described herein, with the iconscorresponding to a plurality of predetermined categories representingnotable events in a life of the user. In addition to scannedphotographic prints and documents, digital files can include, forexample, digital photographs, i.e., images originally captured using adigital camera and digital documents, i.e., documents originally createdon a computer. Through the user action assigning the digital files tothe predetermined categories, the digital files can be organized andaccessed differently, i.e., with a different arrangement andpresentation, using the icon palette. Furthermore, this assembling ofindividual images and documents into aggregations and collections ofrelated elements can result in new and enhanced displays, such asalbums, electronic scrapbooks, and slide shows as described herein. Inaddition, embodiments of the present invention facilitate the creation,preservation, and accessibility of historical archives from otherwiseunorganized and underutilized clutter on computer and file storagesystems.

Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, for a filemanagement system, responsive to the problems associated withunorganized and underutilized files, including but not limited tophotographs. The system includes an icon palette displayed on a usercomputer, with the icons corresponding to a plurality of predeterminedcategories representing notable events in a life of the user. Theplurality of predetermined categories representing notable events in alife of the user includes predefined default categories and user-definedcategories. The predefined default categories can include, for example,marriage, faith, family, children, friends, school, music, film, books,travel, work, sports, pets, military, health, and others as understoodby those skilled in the art. The icon palette includes a paletteboundary. User action, including, for example, dragging and dropping oneof the plurality of unsorted files across the palette boundary onto anicon on the icon palette assigns the file to one of the plurality ofpredetermined categories. A file can be assigned to one or morepredetermined categories. The file management system also includes afile management server, which then stores the file remotely from theuser computer and allows for retrieval of the file through an electroniccommunications network, e.g., the Internet. The file management systemincludes a client-server architecture, including a thick-client orapplication client and also a thin-client or browser, as understood bythose skilled in the art. The file management system can include aplurality of users associated with a plurality of user computers.

The user can select the icons to be shown on the icon palette, includingadding or deleting icons. The user can create icons corresponding touser-defined categories and delete icons corresponding to predefineddefault categories. The user can select an order for the icons on theicon palette and group icons together. In addition, the user can expandor collapse the icon palette to suit the user's preferences, includingaltering an x-dimension, a y-dimension, or both x- and y-dimensions ofthe icon palette, as understood by those skilled in the art. In anexemplary embodiment, the user can match the scale of the icon paletteto the user's good vision, or alternately the user's poor vision. Inaddition, the user can move the icon palette throughout the screenassociated with the user computer as understood by those skilled in theart. The icon palette preserves the user-selected order for the icons onthe icon palette through changes in its size and location. Moreover, theicon palette can use various indicia of a painter's palette, including,for example, color, to identify the icons with the predeterminedcategories representing notable events in a life of the user. Forexample, the color of the icon for the category “School” can be selectedby the user to be the color of the user's alma mater, such as, forexample, burnt-orange.

Features of the file management system, according to embodiments of thepresent invention, allow a user to quickly sort, organize, categorize,and store files, including photographs. The photographs can, forexample, include digital photographs or scanned prints. Countless otherfiles, such as, for example, medical and immunization records, schoolreport cards, and newspaper clippings, can also be scanned as digitalfiles and then managed, stored, and displayed according to embodimentsof the present invention. The use of icons and predetermined categoriesprovides the user with a visualization and a taxonomy for the sortingand organizing of files. In addition, the predefined default categoriesallow the user to begin sorting and organizing files without having tocreate from scratch a categorization scheme. User-defined categoriesallow the user to create additional categories and personalize the filemanagement system. For example, a predefined default category caninclude the category children; whereas user-defined categories caninclude categories Dick and Jane, one for each child. In addition, theuser can edit the icon associated with each category so that the iconfor the category Dick is an image of Dick the child, an icon for thecategory Jane is an image of Jane the child, and an icon for thecategory children is an image of Dick and Jane, instead of a defaulticon of generic children. In addition, the use of a remote filemanagement server provides the user portability, as files can beaccessed anywhere the Internet is available, and fault tolerance, in theevent of a flood, a fire, or severe equipment failure.

An exemplary embodiment of a file management machine includes a firstcomputer configured as a file management server adapted to communicatethrough an electronic communications network with a plurality ofremotely located user computers associated with a plurality of memberand visitor users and configured as the user computers, with each usercomputer being remote from the file management server. The filemanagement server can include at least a processor, memory, and acomputer program operable on the file management server and stored inthe memory or other non-transitory computer readable medium. Thecomputer program can include a set of instructions that, when executedby the file management server, cause the file management server toperform operations comprising: generating a member account for a memberuser, causing display of an icon palette to the member user on one ofthe remotely located user computers, the icon palette having a paletteboundary and icons representing a plurality of predetermined categoriesrepresenting notable events in a life of the member user, and assigningone of the plurality of files to at least one of the plurality ofpredetermined categories responsive to member user action. The useraction can be such that dragging and dropping one of the plurality offiles onto a selected one of the icons on the icon palette causes thefile management server to execute the operations of: extracting a copyof the file from a memory element associated with the respectiveremotely located user computer and transferring the copy of the filethrough the electronic communications network to a memory elementassociated with the file management server, and establishing a relationbetween the file and the respective predetermined category representedby the selected icon.

The operations can also include repeating the operation of the assigningfor each other of the plurality of files to thereby define a pluralityof member uploaded files, associating each of the plurality of memberuploaded files with one or more of a plurality of albums responsive tomember user selection thereof, and generating a plurality of visitoraccounts for a corresponding plurality of visitors. Each visitor accountof the plurality of visitor accounts is associated with the memberaccount and configured by the member user to provide each respectivedifferent visitor with custom visitor access permissions.

The operations can also include assigning the visitor accessrestrictions to each of the plurality of visitors through custom visitoraccess configuration of the plurality of visitor accounts, with eachcustom visitor access configuration providing member user-selectedaccess to one or more subsets of the plurality of member uploaded filesaccording to one or more of the following bases: a file-by-file basis,an album-by-album basis, and a category-by-category basis.

According to an embodiment, the custom visitor access configuration foreach respective visitor includes selectable access to the one or moresubsets of the member uploaded files on the file-by-file basis and oneor both of the following bases: the album-by-album basis and thecategory-by-category basis. According to another embodiment, the customvisitor access configuration for each respective visitor includesselectable access to the one or more subsets of the member uploadedfiles on the file-by-file basis, the album-by-album basis, and thecategory-by-category basis.

According to an embodiment, the operations can also or alternativelyinclude generating a visitor access configuration webpage form providinga visitor account creation input section including visitor name andpassword input fields, a visitor listing section, and two or more of thefollowing: a categorical access section providing one or more inputfields for member user selection of one or more of the predeterminedcategories, an album access section providing one or more input fieldsfor member user selection of one or more of the plurality of albums, anda file access section providing one or more input fields for member userselection of one or more specifically identified member uploaded filesof the plurality of member uploaded files.

According to an embodiment, the operations can also include employingone or more of the plurality of visitor accounts to facilitate gatheringmissing information related to description of material displayed in amember uploaded file. The operation of employing one or more of theplurality of visitor accounts to facilitate gathering missinginformation can include causing the display of one of the plurality ofmember uploaded files to a visitor associated with one of the pluralityof visitor accounts configured to provide access to the respectivemember uploaded file, and receiving the missing information related tothe description of material displayed in the respective member uploadedfile. In a typical scenario, the displayed file is a photograph, thematerial displayed include people, and the missing information receivedincludes a name of at least one of the people displayed in thephotograph which was left unnamed as a result of being unknown to themember user.

According to an embodiment, the computer program described above can bestored on a standalone non-transitory computer readable medium to form astandalone product.

Example embodiments of the present invention provide for a method, e.g.,a computerized method, of file management, which include a combinationof computer implemented steps performed in conjunction with usermanipulation to perform the operations described above. The method caalso or alternatively n include prompting a user to fill out aquestionnaire associated with the file responsive to a user actionassigning the file to a predetermined category. The questionnaire caninclude any additional categories, album data, a journal entry, eventinformation, and display information. The data from the questionnairecan be ultimately stored in a database on a remote file managementserver. The event information can include, for example, the time, date,and location associated with the file. The event information can be usedfor search and display purposes. For example, to locate a particularfile, a user can limit a search to a particular date or a particulardate range. In addition, the questionnaire can include a data field forsearch words to facilitate a later search for the file.

Embodiments of the present invention can provide, for example, fordisplaying an album of files in pre-selected formats on a displaydevice, responsive to the questionnaires associated with the files.Through the questionnaire, the user can assign a file to an album andprovide a relative picture size. With multiple albums possible for eachcategory, the files associated with a particular album can relate to asingle event or theme, such as, for example, a child's birthday party orother event as understood by those skilled in the art. The relativepicture size can include, for example, a value of “1” indicating a smallpicture, a value of “5” indicating a large picture, and values of “2”,“3”, and “4” in between, as understood by those skilled in the art. Asingle page in an album can, for example, display only one file with apicture size of “5”; whereas, a page in an album can, for example,display two files with a picture size of “4” and many files with apicture size of “1”, as understood by those skilled in the art. Byautomating the display of files into albums, including, for example, anyformatting (once an album assignment is determined by the user),embodiments of the present invention provide an easy and effortless wayto view multiple collections of files.

Embodiments of the present invention include other features andbenefits, including a program product that prompts the user for logininformation. Login information can include, for example, a username, apassword, and a status to thereby allow complete access to a member andrestricted access to a visitor or a trial user. The benefit of a visitorstatus is to allow a user to share photographs and other files, withoutproviding complete and unrestricted access to the member's otherdocuments. For example, in-laws can share pictures of a commongrandchild without sharing personal medical or military service records.Because the user determines the level of access for a visitor account,different visitor accounts can have different access configurationsallowing, for example, an adult child who has a medical power ofattorney access to the member's prescription records, but denying aminor grandchild with a different visitor account access to those files.Another benefit of a visitor status is to increase the number of peopleand the amount of information or context. For example, photographs of apicnic often include dates and other guests whose names or completenames are unknown to the host. The use of visitor accounts facilitatesthe gathering of this and other missing information.

Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, for allowingthe user to indicate a desire or intention to make a file (andassociated journal entry) publicly available after the death of theuser, or alternately to delete the file. A user can also use anotherevent, time, or combination besides the death of the user, to trigger afile being made public, such as, for example, the year 2075 or, in thealternative, 25 years after the death of the user. The user can specifysuch access on a file-by-file basis, or alternately on acategory-by-category basis, so that private, personal information isdeleted, but otherwise the files can be accessible by third parties, forthe benefit of history. Embodiments of the present invention includelegal arrangements and associated documents necessary to carry out theintentions of the user. In an exemplary embodiment, a wealth ofinformation regarding notable events in a life of the user would bepreserved for future generations of historians, both professional andpersonal.

Embodiments of the present invention can also include applicationsoftware, i.e., program product, and a local database on a usercomputer. The local database can store settings and preferences for useraccounts and can also record recent changes made by the user. The systemfurther includes an electronic communications network connecting theremote computer server and the user computer. According to embodimentsof the present invention, the user computer connects to the remoteserver computer only when data needs to be transferred and upon initiallogin by the user to synchronize the data in the local database and theserver database. The system can include a plurality of users associatedwith a plurality of user computers.

Embodiments of the present invention can also include file managementmachines, i.e., computers, including client or user computers, andcomputer servers. The file management machines can be configured, i.e.,programmed, with computer program product to implement various processesand operations as described herein. In addition, embodiments of thepresent invention include enhancements and other systems, machines,program products, and associated methods of file management, storage,and display, as understood by those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the features and benefits of the invention,as well as others which will become apparent, may be understood in moredetail, a more particular description of the invention brieflysummarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments thereofwhich are illustrated in the appended drawings, which form a part ofthis specification. It is also to be noted, however, that the drawingsillustrate only various embodiments of the invention and are thereforenot to be considered limiting of the invention's scope as it may includeother effective embodiments as well.

FIG. 1 is an environmental view according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a computer screen view of an icon palette according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is another computer screen view of an icon palette according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a client-server architecture of a filemanagement system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a client-server architecture of a filemanagement system according to another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic flow diagram of a file management system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a web browser architecture of a filemanagement system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of a file management system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a logic diagram for a launch sequence according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a logic diagram for a launch sequence using a browseraccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a logic diagram for a method of file management according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a logic diagram for a method of file management according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a logic diagram for an icon palette according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a logic diagram for an icon palette according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a logic diagram for a method of file management according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a logic diagram for a method of file management according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a logic diagram for a method of file management according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a logic diagram for a method of file management according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a logic diagram for a method of file management according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a logic diagram for a method of file management according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a logic diagram for a method of file management according toanother embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a data view according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 is second data view according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is a third data view according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 25 is a fourth data view according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 26 is a questionnaire according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 27 is a questionnaire according to another embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 28 is a visitor access configuration screen according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a randomizer setup screen according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 30A and 30B are views of a randomizer slide show according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a logic diagram for a method of file management, storage, andretrieval according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a logic diagram for a method of file management, storage, andretrieval according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a computer program product according to an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 34 is a computer configured as a file management machine accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments ofthe invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as limited to theillustrated embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for converting photographicprints and documents, i.e., hardcopies, into digital or computerizedfiles, i.e., softcopies, and then into organized electronic albums andthe display thereof. The conversion from photographic prints anddocuments to digital files, i.e., from hardcopies to softcopies, caninclude, for example, use of a scanner or other input device, such as, avoice recorder, a video camera, or a digital camera. A scanner is aninput device, e.g., a computer peripheral, that digitizes an opticalimage into an electronic image represented as binary data as understoodby those skilled in the art. Other input devices, e.g., digital cameras,can communicate with a computer through standard input-out (I/O) devicesand ports as understood by those skilled in the art, allowing thetransfer of a file from memory associated with the input device, e.g.,the digital camera, to memory associated with the computer for use withthe embodiments of the present invention. The conversion from digitalfiles to organized electronic albums can include, for example, the useof an icon palette as described herein, with the icons corresponding toa plurality of predetermined categories representing notable events in alife of the user. In addition to scanned photographic prints anddocuments, digital files can include, for example, digital photographs,i.e., images originally captured using a digital camera; digitaldocuments, i.e., documents originally created on a computer or otherelectronic device; and sound or video recordings. Through the useraction assigning the digital files to the predetermined categories, thedigital files can be organized and accessed differently, i.e., with adifferent arrangement and presentation, using the icon palette. That is,files stored conventionally in electronic folders on a computer, e.g., adocument folder having subfolders for pictures, music, and otherclassifications, or files stored conventionally on various memory media,such as, compact disks (“CDs”), digital video disks, (“DVDs”), memorysticks, hard drives, subscriber identity module (“SIM” module or cards),and others as understood by those skilled in the art, are transformed,according to embodiments of the present invention, in location,including to remote servers away from the user as described herein andaccessible through, e.g., the Internet; in arrangement, including into aplurality of predetermined categories representing notable events in alife of the user; and in presentation, including through icons. Thisassembling of individual images and documents into aggregations andcollections of related elements can further result in new and enhanceddisplays, such as albums, electronic scrapbooks, and slide shows asdescribed herein. Moreover, journal entries and other associated data,as described herein, provide and keep context so that the new andenhanced displays are greater, i.e., more beneficial, than the sum ofthe parts. These new and enhanced displays can provide, for example, avisual depiction or representation of notable events in a life of theuser, including, for example, family or faith. In addition, embodimentsof the present invention facilitate the creation, preservation, andaccessibility of historical archives from otherwise unorganized andunderutilized clutter on computer and file storage systems, includingboxes of photographic prints, documents, mementos, and records. That is,embodiments of the present invention can efficiently change the physicalinto the digital (or electronic), the unexplained into the annotated,and the inaccessible into the accessible.

Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, for a filemanagement system, illustrated in FIGS. 1-34, responsive to the problemsassociated with unorganized, unsorted, and underutilized files,including but not limited to photographs. The system includes an iconpalette 103, 200, 300, (see also, e.g., FIGS. 22 and 23 for alternateembodiments 2203 and 2303), displayed on a user computer 101, 407, 507,711, i.e., a machine, with the icons 105, 203A-E, 303A-E, correspondingto a plurality of predetermined categories representing notable eventsin a life of the user. The system can also include a computer, i.e., amachine, remote from the user configured as a file management server111. The predetermined categories associated with the life of the userinclude predefined default categories and user-defined categories. Theplurality of predefined default categories can include a number, e.g.,three (3), of the following: marriage, faith, family, children, school,travel, military, health, and others as understood by those skilled inthe art. Other embodiments for the plurality of predefined defaultcategories include friends, music, film, books, work, sports, and pets(see, e.g., 2903 in FIG. 29). The icon palette includes a paletteboundary 201, 301. User action, including, for example, dragging anddropping one of the plurality of unsorted files across the paletteboundary 201, 301 onto an icon 105, 203A-E, 303A-E on the icon palette103, 200, 300 assigns the file to one of the plurality of predeterminedcategories. A file can be assigned to one or more predeterminedcategories.

User action on a computer can include, for example, utilizing a computermouse. A computer mouse is a pointing device that detects, e.g.,mechanically or optically, two-dimensional motion relative to asupporting surface. The motion is typically generated by the user todriver a cursor 207 on the computer screen. That is, the mouse's motiontypically translates into the motion of a pointer on a display, whichallows for fine control of a graphical user interface (“GUI”).Physically, a mouse can be an object held under one of the user's hands,with one or more buttons. Other input devices for user action caninclude trackballs, joysticks, and various game controllers asunderstood by those skilled in the art. Directing the cursor 207 “ontop” of a file being displayed on a computer screen and then clickingthe button of the mouse allows the computer to select the file foraction. Action can include, for example, opening the file (typicallythrough a double-click as understood by those skilled in the art),including automatically launching an application associated with thefile as necessary. Action can also include, for example, dragging anddropping the file onto a folder or application, such as an icon paletteembodiment of the present invention. As understood by those skilled inthe art, dragging a file involves selecting the file, then holding downthe mouse button while moving the mouse; likewise, dropping a fileinvolves releasing the mouse button when the cursor 207 on the screen is“on top” of or associated with a location, file, or application on thecomputer screen. As part of user action assigning the file to apredetermined category, e.g., dragging and dropping the file on an iconon the icon palette, the program product obtains information about thefile, including its name, file type or extension, and location inmemory, i.e., its path, and uses this information to copy the file tofile management server.

The user (see, e.g., U in FIG. 1) can select the icons 105, 203A-E,303A-E to be shown on the icon palette 103, 200, 300 including adding ordeleting icons. Through menu screens and use of I/O devices, the user Ucan create icons or modify icons 105, 203A-E, 303A-E corresponding touser-defined categories and delete icons corresponding to predefineddefault categories. The user U can select an order for the icons on theicon palette and group icons together. In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the user can adjust the relative size, i.e., expand or collapse,the icon palette to suit the user's preferences, including altering anx-dimension, a y-dimension, or both x- and y-dimensions of the iconpalette, as understood by those skilled in the art. Compare, e.g., thesize of icon palettes 205 and 200 in FIG. 2. In an exemplary embodiment,the user U can match the scale of the icon palette to the user's goodvision, or alternately the user's poor vision. In addition, the user Ucan move the icon palette throughout the screen associated with the usercomputer as understood by those skilled in the art. That is, a locationof the icon palette on the display screen is controllable by the user U.The icon palette 103, 200, 300 preserves the user-selected order for theicons on the icon palette through changes in its size and location.(See, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3.) Moreover, the icon palette 103, 200, 300 canuse various indicia of a painter's palette, including, for example,color and shape, to identify the icons with the predetermined categoriesrepresenting notable events in a life of the user. For example, thecolor of the icon for the category “School” 203C can be selected by theuser to be the color of the user's alma mater, such as, for example,burnt-orange. For example, the spacing of the icons on the palette cansuggest or evoke the spacing of separate portions of paint on apainter's palette.

Features of the file management system, according to embodiments of thepresent invention, allow a user to quickly sort, organize, categorize,and store files, including photographs. See, e.g., FIG. 3. Thephotographs 307 can, for example, include digital photographs or scannedprints. Countless other files 311, such as, for example, medical andimmunization records, school report cards, and newspaper clippings, canalso be scanned as digital files and then managed, stored, and retrievedaccording to embodiments of the present invention. The use of icons303A-303E and predetermined categories provides the user with avisualization and a taxonomy for the sorting and organizing of files. Inaddition, the predefined default categories allow the user to beginsorting and organizing files without having to create from scratch acategorization scheme. Moreover, the existence of predefined defaultcategories facilitates the sharing of files, allowing two users to sharefiles categorized as Travel, without having to further cull, sort, ororganize for an exchange. User-defined categories allow the user tocreate additional categories and personalize the file management system.

Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, for a methodof file management. See, e.g., FIG. 11. The method includes prompting auser to fill out a questionnaire 1113 associated with the fileresponsive to a user action assigning the file to a predeterminedcategory 1103. The questionnaire can include any additional categories,data, a journal entry, event information, and display information. See,e.g., FIG. 22. The data from the questionnaire is ultimately stored in adatabase on the remote file management server. The event informationincludes, for example, the time, date, and location associated with thefile. The event information is useful for searching and displaypurposes. For example, to locate a particular file, a user can limit asearch to a particular date or a particular date range. In addition, thequestionnaire includes a data field for search words to facilitate alater search for the file. As understood by those skilled in the art,the questionnaire can include multiple screens, forms, pages, windows,or queries. Because the questionnaire provides access to and storesinput in a database, questionnaire data may be added or modified atonce, in batches, or incrementally, as understood by those skilled inthe art.

Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, fordisplaying an album of files in pre-selected formats 2213 on a displaydevice, responsive to the questionnaires associated with the files.Through the questionnaire 2600, the user can assign a file to an albumand provide a relative picture size 2609 so that a pre-selected formatfor an album page includes a large number of files with a relativelysmall picture size, and a pre-selected format for an album page includesa small number of files or a single file with a relatively largerpicture size. With multiple albums possible for each category, the filesassociated with a particular album can relate to a single event ortheme, such as, for example, a child's birthday party or other event asunderstood by those skilled in the art. By automating the display offiles into albums, including, for example, any formatting (once an albumassignment is determined by the user), embodiments of the presentinvention provide an easy and effortless way to view multiplecollections of files.

Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, for allowingthe user to indicate a desire or intention to make a file (andassociated journal entry) publicly available after, for example, thedeath of the user, or alternately to delete the file. See, e.g., 2705 inFIG. 27. Through the questionnaire, the user can specify a desire orintention to make a file accessible to the public so that the user candesignate a portion of the plurality of files and associated journalentries to be made publicly available after a user-selected triggerevent. See, e.g., 2703 in FIG. 27. In addition, the questionnaire caninclude a hyperlink to terms 2707 and an approval box for the user toselect to approve the terms for future access to the files. A user canalso use a calendar event, a death of the user, a time period after thedeath of the user, and other events to trigger a file being made public,such as, for example, the year 2075 or, in the alternative, 25 yearsafter the death of the user. The user can specify such access on afile-by-file basis, or alternately on a category-by-category basis, sothat private, personal information is deleted, but otherwise the filescan benefit history. Embodiments of the present invention include legalarrangements and associated documents necessary to carry out theintentions of the user. These arrangements can include the establishmentof a recipient entity 109, including non-profit or for-profitorganizations, to acquire ownership rights to the files, for example, toown or jointly own or otherwise license the files and copyrightsassociated with the files. These arrangements and associated documentscan further include a joint ownership with right of survival, a trust, aperpetual license, an assignment of copyright ownership, a dedication tothe public domain, limited powers of attorney and other forms of agency,and other legal arrangements and associated documents as understood bythose skilled in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, a recipient offiles according to such legal arrangement could charge for and licenseaccess (and other rights) to the files, either directly or indirectly,through subscriptions, sponsorships, advertising, and other forms ofpayment. That is, publicly available does not necessarily mean freelyavailable. In an exemplary embodiment, a wealth of information regardingnotable events in a life of the user would be preserved for futuregenerations of historians, both professional and personal historians. Inan exemplary embodiment, a death of the user can be verified by apublished obituary or by a contact list supplied by the user through thequestionnaire, or otherwise as understood by those skilled in the art.In another embodiment, a journal entry recording the death of the usercan be created. In addition, funeral-related files, including, forexample, an order of service, a program, a video or audio recording ofservices, a guest book, a eulogy text, an obituary, and others asunderstood by those skilled in the art, can be added to the files onbehalf of the user and for the benefit of history.

Embodiments of the present invention further include, for example, ajournal 2201. A master journal 2301 for the user's account is anaggregation of individual journal entries 2215, each associated with afile and entered through a questionnaire. See also 2201, 2501 and 2401for portions of the master journal for an album or category. Embodimentsinclude displaying a portion of the master journal on the display deviceresponsive to user criteria so that a user can view journal entries fora category, a particular date range, or files in an album.

Embodiments of the present invention include, for example, a randomizermodule for displaying a slide show of randomized files responsive touser criteria. See, e.g., FIGS. 30A and 30B. To use the randomizermodule, the user specifies in a database a plurality of files forinclusion in a slide show of randomized files so that only appropriatefiles are displayed. The randomizer module randomly selects a set offiles from the plurality of files specified in the database forinclusion in the slide show responsive to user criteria, displays therandomly selected set of files in the slide show on a display device,and repeats the steps of randomly selecting and displaying the set offiles in the slide show responsive to user criteria. Embodiments ofrandomizer module can include, for example, random number generators,i.e., applications that generate series of numbers that are, attempt tobe, or appear to be random, or as if by chance. As understood thoseskilled in the art, random number generation can use a seed value, suchas the current time, to generate a random number. Alternately,embodiments can include prior collections of numbers, known as randomnumber tables. The random numbers generated or retrieved from a tablecan be scaled to match the need. For example, if fifty (50) files areassociated with a category, a random number be scaled so that each ofthe files has a similar chance of being selected in the slide show forthat category. Included in the definition of random are so-calledpseudo-random generation and tables, in which certain results areignored or eliminated because although generated randomly, the resultsdo not appear to be. For example, if a given image is selected fordisplay and then, by random, the same image is selected again for thenext position, the pseudo-random generation or table may eliminate thisresult, i.e., skip to the next number in sequence. Likewise,pseudo-random schemes in which missed or underselected files are favoredor weighted are considered as random for purposes of this application.

The user specifies files for inclusion in a slide show of randomizedfiles through the questionnaires. The randomizer module can then displaythe slide show on the display device attached to the user computer andexternal devices, such as, for example, electronic picture frames andtelevisions. External devices can communicate with the user computerwirelessly as understood by those skilled in the art. The user criteriacan include one or more categories to display, a quantity of files toselect, a start date, an end date, a duration the selected files will bepresented by the program, and a number of cycles to repeat selection andpresentation. See, e.g., FIG. 29.

The benefits of the randomizer include the quick and effortless displayof various and numerous files maintained by the file management systemon various display devices, including the user computer and digitalpicture frames. The randomizer module also greatly improves theutilization of the numerous files by providing a convenient way to viewfiles that otherwise would remain scattered or stored. In addition,because the user previously specified files for inclusion in therandomizer, only appropriate files are displayed, preventing theinadvertent display of a private file. By allowing the user to selectcategories to display, the user can also tailor the randomizer slideshow to an audience.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, embodiments of the present inventioninclude a user U, using a user computer 101 to view an icon palette 103,200, 300 on a display screen 102 associated with the user computer 101.The user computer 101 can communicate with a file management server 111,associated with a recipient entity 109 established for acquiringownership rights to files and located remote, i.e., in a remotelocation, from the user U and the user computer 101. The icon palette103, 200, 300 includes icons 105, 203A-E, 303A-E corresponding to aplurality of predetermined categories representing notable events in alife of the user U, such as, for example, family 107. As the user Uassigns one of a plurality of unsorted files 311, such as, e.g., arecent picture of his family, to one of the plurality of predeterminedcategories through dragging and dropping 309 one of the plurality ofunsorted files across the palette boundary 201, 301 onto an icon on theicon palette. The unsorted file 307, 311 can originate on the desktop313 or within a folder, such as, for example, a folder of photos 305, asunderstood by those skilled in the art. As understood by those skilledin the art, the user U can use a mouse or other such device to drive acursor 207 on the computer. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the iconpalette 200, 300 is scalable by the user and can be moved about thescreen. Compare, e.g., the size of icon palettes 205 and 200 in FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, embodiments of the present invention include asystem 400 with a client-server architecture for file management,storing, and display. The system 400 includes a first computer server401, i.e., a machine. The first computer server 401 includes a databaseengine 403 and stores a database 405. In an exemplary embodiment, thedatabase 405 is a relational database, such as, e.g., an SQL database.The database 405 contains records for a plurality of user accountsettings, preferences, journal entries, and files 406. The files caninclude various formats such as, for example, JPEG, JIFF, MPEG, GIF,MP3, MP4, PDF, WAV, and others as understood by those skilled in theart. The system also includes a second computer associated with a userdefining a user computer 407, i.e., a machine. In an exemplaryembodiment, the user computer 407 is a MACINTOSH or WINDOWS computerrunning an operating system from Apple Inc. or Microsoft Corporation, asunderstood by those skilled in the art. In an exemplary embodiment, theuser computer 407 is configured via new and enhanced program product3301, 3402 to implement features and functionality as described herein.The user computer 407 can include a local database 411 and athick-client or application software client 409, i.e., computer programproduct, as understood by those skilled in the art. The local database411 stores settings and preferences for user accounts and also recordsof recent changes made by the user 408. The user computer 407 cantemporarily store the file and data associated with the file so that theuser can assign files and associate data with the file in the event ofslow or interrupted communication with the remote server 401. The system400 further includes an electronic communications network 413, forexample, the Internet, connecting the computer server 401 and the usercomputer 407. Accordingly, the first computer server 401 is a remoteserver, being remote from the user computer 407. The remote filemanagement server 401 stores files remotely from the user computer 407and allows for retrieval of files through an electronic communicationsnetwork 413, e.g., the Internet. The system can include a plurality ofusers associated with a plurality of user computers.

In an alternate embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the databaseengine 503 can access a database or portions of a database 505 located adatabase server 510 or storage device 515, remote from the computerserver 501. The database can include user account settings, preferences,and other data 506. The user computer 507 can operate a user application509, which may include a local database 511 storing user accountsettings, preferences, and recent changes 508. In the system 500, theuser computer 507 can communicate with the file management server 501machine through the electronic communications network 513, e.g., theInternet. The system can include a plurality of users associated with aplurality of user computers. These embodiments allow for a scalabledatabase architecture with robust security and fault-tolerant propertiesas understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, theseembodiments allow for rarely accessed data to be archived 517 on tapedevice or other storage device 515, perhaps resulting in a delay for theuser to access the archived data, as understood by those skilled in theart. Such storage devices can further be located remote from the server501. In an exemplary embodiment, the file management server 501 machinecan a computer or computers running a WINDOWS, MACINTOSH, UNIX, LINUX,or other operating system as understood by those skilled in the art. Inan exemplary embodiment, the file management server 501 machine isassociated with one or more remote (from the user) data centersproviding hosting, processing, and storage capabilities. As understoodby those skilled in the art, International Business Machines Corp.(“IBM”) and various other organizations operate such facilities and canprovide additionally hardware, software, and services and support. Suchfacilities can offer redundant and fault-tolerant implementations.Redundant systems can include, for example, multiple power sources,communication networks, computers and other hardware, and associatedmonitoring and switching infrastructure, as understood by those skilledin the art, so that no single component failure results in a systemfailure. According to a method 600 of communicating with the server, asillustrated in FIG. 6, the user computer connects to the remote servercomputer only upon initial secure login by the user 601 and after a datachange when data needs to be transferred and to synchronize the data inthe local database and the server database 603. Requests to access theserver are validated through a secure login 605. In addition, the use ofa remote file management server provides the user portability, as filescan be accessed anywhere the Internet is available, and fault tolerance,in the event of a flood, a fire, or severe equipment failure.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, embodiments of the present invention alsoinclude a system 700 with a thin-client or browser-based implementationsof a client-server architecture for file management, storing, andretrieval, as understood by those skilled in the art. The system 700includes a first computer server 701. The first computer server 701includes a web server 703, a database engine 705, and a database 707.The database 707 contains records for a plurality of user accountsettings, preferences, journal entries, and files 709. In an exemplaryembodiment, the first computer server 701 machine is associated with aremote (from the user) data center providing hosting, processing, andstorage capabilities. The system also includes a second computerassociated with a user defining a user computer 711. In an exemplaryembodiment, the user computer 711 is a MACINTOSH or WINDOWS computerrunning an operating system from Apple Inc. or Microsoft Corporation, asunderstood by those skilled in the art. The user computer 711 includes athin-client or browser client 713 as understood by those skilled in theart. According to this embodiment of the present invention, no localdatabase is required on the user computer 711, and communication withthe server 701 is necessary. The system 700 further includes anelectronic communications network 715, for example, the Internet,connecting the computer server 701 and the user computer 711. The systemcan include a plurality of users associated with a plurality of usercomputers. According to a method 800 of communicating with the server,as illustrated in FIG. 8, the user enters the URL into the browseraddress bar 801. The URL, which stands for uniform resource locator oruniversal resource locator, is the address of a resource, such as, forexample, a document or Web site, on the Internet that consists of acommunications protocol followed by the name or address of a computer onthe network and that often includes additional locating information,such as, for example, directory and file names. The server sends asecure page requesting user name and password information 803. Then thecomputer connects to the remote server computer through a secureconnection 805, as understood by those skilled in the art.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, embodiments of the present inventionprovide launch sequences 900, 1000. The user launches the application901 or enters an URL address into the browser on the user computer 1001and is prompted for login information 903, 1003, including, for example,a username and password, as understood by those skilled in the art.Embodiments of the present invention further provide during the loginfor a user's status as, for example, a member, a visitor, and a trial927, 1027. A member has an existing account. A visitor is associatedwith a member account but is restricted to allowed areas and permittedoperations. See also FIG. 28 for a visitor access configuration screen.A trial status denotes a user without an account. If a user is not amember 905, 1005, an offer to sign up, or become a member, can bepresented 907, 1007. If the user so indicates a sign-up window 909 orsign-up page 1009 can be presented to the user. The data entered in thesign-up window 909 or sign-up page 1009 can be communicated to thedatabase 913, 1013 on the file management server through the electroniccommunications network 911, 1011 to create or deny a new account. Otherlaunch sequence embodiments of the present invention send the user'sname, password, and status 915, 1015 through the electroniccommunications network 917, 1017 to the database on the remote filemanagement server to validate login information and return accountpreferences 919, 1019. The file management server then returns usersettings, categories, and icons to the user computer 921, 1021. Ifnecessary, the file management server synchronizes the settings,categories, and icons with those stored locally on the user computer923, 1023. Upon a successful launch sequence, the software displays theuser-appropriate icon palette and icons and awaits user action 925, 1025so that the user is displayed the icon palette on the desktop 929, 1029.

The benefit of a visitor status embodiment is to allow a user to sharephotographs and other files, without providing complete and unrestrictedaccess to the member's other documents. For example, in-laws can sharepictures of a common grandchild without sharing personal medical ormilitary service records. Because the user determines the level ofaccess for a visitor account, different visitor accounts can havedifferent access configurations allowing, for example, an adult childwho has a medical power of attorney access to the member's prescriptionrecords, but denying a minor grandchild with a different visitor accountaccess to those files. Another benefit of a visitor status is toincrease the number of people and the amount of information or context.For example, photographs of a picnic often include dates and otherguests whose names or complete names are unknown to the host. The use ofvisitor accounts facilitates the gathering of this and other missinginformation.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11-12 and 26-27, embodiments of the presentinvention provide methods 1100, 1200 for prompting a user to fill out aquestionnaire 1113, 1213 associated with a file responsive to a useraction selecting the file or assigning the file to a category 1103,1203. In a thick-client embodiment, the software application receives auser action 1101 associated with the icon bar, i.e., the icon palette.In a thin-client or browser-based embodiment, a browser page displaysthe icon palette 1201 and awaits a user action. The kind of user actiondetermines the next step or operation 1103, 1203, as understood by thoseskilled in the art. For example, dragging the cursor 207 over an iconthrough use of a mouse or similar input device can result in the iconunder the cursor 207 being highlighted, or selected 1105, 1205, asunderstood by those skilled in the art. For example, clicking on theicon palette 1127, 1227 provides for modification of the icon palette.See, e.g., FIGS. 13 and 14. The user action can also include assigning afile to a predetermined category by, for example, dragging and droppingan icon representing the file onto an icon on the icon paletterepresenting the category 1204. The user action can also includeselecting the file through a menu as understood by those skilled in theart. Responsive to the user action, the path to the file, e.g., thedropped object, is captured, along with the assigned category, i.e., thecategory associated with the icon 1107, 1207. A determination is madewhether the object, i.e., the file, is acceptable 1109, 1209. If not,because the file type is unknown, the size is too big or too small, thefile contains a virus or other mal-ware, the file is corrupted orotherwise defective, or other reasons, as understood by those skilled inthe art then the user can be alerted 1111, 1211. Then the action can beaborted and the user is returned to a listening state 1125, 1225, orready state as understood by those skilled in the art. If the object,i.e., the file, is acceptable, then the user is prompted to fill out aquestionnaire 1113, 1213. See, e.g., FIGS. 26-27. Upon completion, ifthe questionnaire form is not acceptable 1115, 1215, the action isaborted, and the user is returned to a listening state 1125, 1225, orready state as understood by those skilled in the art. If the form isacceptable, multiple files are handled. That is, if multiple files aredropped, each file is attached to the questionnaire 1117, 1217. In athin-client or browser-based embodiment, the data is sent to the server1223. In a thick-client embodiment, an addition determination can bemade whether the server is available 1119. If not, the questionnairedata and files can be saved in a local database for later uploading andsynchronization to the server 1121. Once the server is available, thedata and files can be sent to the server 1123.

As illustrated in FIG. 26, prompting the user for the questionnaire 2600can result in the category and journal information being sent to theapplication or browser 2651, so that the user is displayed thequestionnaire with some information already populated 2653. Thequestionnaire 2600 can include, for example, data for a category 2601,an album 2603, a name for the file 2605, and a data field for searchwords to associate with the file 2607. The questionnaire can includeevent information, including data fields for an event date 2619 and anevent time 2617, a location description 2621, a city 2623, a state 2625,and a country 2627. In addition, the event information can include adescription of the weather 2629, a temperature 2631, a status of themoon 2633, and other attributes as understood by those skilled in theart. As understood by those skilled in the art, the file name 2605 andcategory 2601 can be automatically populated responsive to a user actionthat assigns the file to a category. In addition, the event time 2617and date 2619 can be automatically populated, including from the timeand date associated with the file, if available. Other fields can alsobe automatically populated, including with default values or a prior orcommon value or a value derived from the user action or the file itselfas understood by those skilled in the art. The questionnaire 2600 candisplay a thumbnail of the file 2637 or an icon that represents the filetype 2639. The questionnaire 2600 can also include a relative picturesize 2609 for displaying in an album, with, for example, a value of “1”indicating a small picture, a value of “5” indicating a large picture,and values of “2”, “3”, and “4” in between, as understood by thoseskilled in the art. A page in an album can, for example, display onlyone file with a picture size of “5”; whereas, a page in an album can,for example, display two files with a picture size of “4” and many fileswith a picture size of “1”, as understood by those skilled in the art.Through the questionnaire 2600, the user can also specify the files forinclusion in a slide show of randomized files 2611. As illustrated inFIG. 27, through the questionnaire 2701, the user can specify a desireor intention to make a file publicly available 2703 (or delete a file asunderstood by those skilled in the art) and select a trigger event tomake the file publicly available 2705. Examples include making a filepublic upon death of the user 2705, making the file public 25 yearsafter the death of the user, and others as understood by those skilledin the art. In addition, the questionnaire 2701 can include terms of alegal document 3410, or a hyperlink to the terms, and an approval boxfor the user to select to approve the terms 2707 for future access tothe files. As illustrated in FIG. 34, the legal document 3410 caninclude, for example, an electronic legal document stored in the memory3401 of the file management machine 3400.

The questionnaire also includes recall information 2613, 2615 asillustrated in FIG. 26. To utilize the recall feature, the user fillsout a recall date 2613 for a future date in the questionnaire. Therecall date can be, for example, the date a bill is due, the date aninsurance policy expires, an upcoming anniversary, an upcoming birthday,or other future date. The user also fills out a threshold, e.g., anumber of days before the recall date to receive an alert 2615. Later,when the user logs in near the recall date 2613, within the number ofdays indicated by the recall before data 2615, then the user receives analert, including, for example, a pop-up or notice screen. Alternately,the alert can be an e-mail or other message as understood by thoseskilled in the art. The alert can include the file or a thumbnail of thefile 2637.

The questionnaire 2600 also includes a journal entry 2635 associatedwith the file. Individual journal entries are aggregated into one masterjournal for the user 2301, as illustrated in FIG. 23. In addition, aportion of the master journal can be displayed on the display device.The portion can correspond to user criteria, such as, for example, acategory 2601, a particular data range, or files in an album 2201, 2501as shown in FIGS. 22 and 25.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated inFIG. 11, if the server is unavailable 1119, the questionnaire can besaved in the local database on the user computer 1121 for lateruploading to the file management server 1123.

In addition, according to embodiments of the present invention, multiplefiles may share a questionnaire for data entry purposes and for ease ofuse 1117, 1217, as illustrated in FIGS. 11-12 and 25. If the dataassociated with a file changes, that file can get a separatequestionnaire.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for predefined defaultcategories and also user-defined categories and associated icons. Theuser can add, delete, or edit the categories associated with the life ofthe user, as well as the icons that represent the categories, asillustrated in FIGS. 13-19 and 30. Embodiments of the present inventioninclude pop-up menus 1307, 1407 so that a user can performs methods ofediting 1500, 1600, adding 1700, 1800, and deleting 1900 categoriesassociated with the life of the user, as well as the icons thatrepresent the categories. The predefined default categories associatedwith the life of the user can include, for example, marriage, faith,family, children, friends, school, music, film, books, travel, work,sports, pets, military, and health 2903. Other categories are possibleand within the scope of the present invention, as understood by thoseskilled in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14,can include methods 1300, 1400 of utilizing the icon palette to accessand manipulate the files, associated data, and categories. In athick-client embodiment, for example, a user U can click on the iconpalette 1301. The kind of click is determined 1303. For a left ordouble-click, as understood by those skilled in the art, data can bedisplayed 1305. See, e.g., FIG. 20. For a right click or long click, asunderstood by those skilled in the art, a pop-up memo is displayed 1307.From the pop-up menu 1307, the user U can edit a category name 1309.See, e.g., FIG. 15. The user U can direct that the edits, i.e., changes,can be saved and displayed 1311 or canceled and discarded 1313, asunderstood by those skilled in the art. The user can also direct that acategory be added 1315 (see FIG. 17) or deleted 1317. The method 1300can also include altering the local icon palette while pending a requestto a remote server, e.g., hiding a deleted category 1319. In athin-client embodiment, for example, a user U can click on the iconpalette 1401, and a web page is sent 1403 responsively. The web page canprovide a subcategory list 1406, e.g., a list of albums, with navigationlinks, as understood by those skilled in the art, that lead to a displayof data 1419. Clicking on a navigation link by the user U can cause thedisplay of an album's files 1421 or journal entries associated with analbum's files 1423. The web page can also provide a pop-up menu 1407.From the pop-up menu 1407, the user U can direct that data be displayed1405 (see FIG. 21), and the user U can edit a category name 1409. See,e.g., FIG. 16. The user U can direct that the edits, i.e., changes, canbe saved and displayed 1411 or canceled and discarded 1413, asunderstood by those skilled in the art. The user U can also direct thata category be added 1415 (see FIG. 18) or deleted 1417 (see FIG. 19).

Embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16,can include methods 1500, 1600 of customizing, i.e., editing, the iconpalette. For example, a user U can select the icon palette for editing1501, 1601. In a thick-client embodiment, for example, a paste iconmodal dialog window, e.g., an edit category window, is opened,displaying a category name and picture, or icon 1503. As understood bythose skilled in the art, a modal dialog window remains the front-mostwindow and captures all user action until it is closed 1521. In athick-client embodiment, for example, an edit page is displayed, havinga category name and picture, or icon 1603. As understood by thoseskilled in the art, the “save” button on the edit category window 1505or page 1605 can be deactivated. The edit category window 1505 or page1605 can include a category name and a graphic of the current picture.The user U can edit the category name 1507, 1607, by renaming thecategory “children” with specific names, e.g. “Jack and Jill.” The userU can also drag a file, i.e., a new image, over the graphic area 1509,1609 to determine if the file type is appropriate 1511, 1611. The user Ucan also paste or drop a file, e.g., for an image or picture, into thegraphical area 1513, 1613. Whether the file type is appropriate isdetermined 1515, 1615. If not, the user U is alerted 1517, 1617. If thefile type is appropriate, the image in the file is sized and displayedin the graphic box 1519, 1619. After customizing the icon palette, the“save” button is activated, and the user can cancel or save the edits,then return to the calling procedure 1523 or page 1623, as understood bythose skilled in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18,can include methods 1700, 1800 of creating new categories. For example,once a user U has selected a new category 1701, 1801, a temporarycategory record is created 1703, 1803 having a default name, such as,“Untitled Category” with a default picture of icon. The user U isprompted to edit the new category 1705, 1805. In a thick-clientembodiment, for example, the temporary category record can be saved,resulting in changes to the display of the icon palette locally andchanges added to the upload queue for the remote server 1707. In athin-client embodiment, for example, the temporary record is saved, andrefreshed web pages are sent from the web server 1807, as understood bythose skilled in the art. If the user cancels the temporary newcategory, the temporary record is discarded 1709 and the previous viewreturns, i.e., the prior icon palette 1809.

Embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 19, caninclude a method 1900 of deleting categories. In a thick-clientembodiment, for example, once a user U has selected to delete a category1901, a “delete” modal dialog box displays is opened, displayinginformation about the category 1903. A confirmation prompt 1905 isdisplayed to the user. If the user U elects to cancel the deletion, thedialog box is closed 1907. If the user elects to delete the category,the category can be hidden from the icon palette locally and a deleterequest can be added to the pending remote server upload queue 1909.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for the displaying on alist of albums associated with a category, as illustrated in FIGS. 20-22and 24-25. By clicking on an icon 2001 or otherwise selecting a categoryfrom the server 2101, an album list is retrieved 2003, 2103 anddisplayed to the user 2005. Various data views, as illustrated in FIGS.22-25, are available. A user action is determined 2009, 2109. The user Ucan cancel the album list, and the window can be closed 2011, 2111; theuser (U) can record and save changes 2013, 2113. In addition, the user Ucan add files to a category by, e.g., dragging and dropping a file, orobject, to the category as described herein 2015, 2115. From the list ofalbums, the user has various other navigation options. Options for theuser include displaying an album 2211, 2503 of files in pre-selectedformats on the display device responsive to the questionnairesassociated with the files, as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 25. Thepre-selected formats (see 2211, 2503) can include an album pagedisplaying multiple files 2217, 2509 of the same or different sizes.Another option includes displaying a portion of the master journal 2201,2501 on the display device comprising individual journal entries 2215,2507 associated with files in an album. Furthermore, embodiments of thepresent invention allow for simultaneously displaying an album 2503 andthe portion of the master journal associated with the files in the album2501. According to embodiments of the present invention, the filesdisplayed in pre-selected formats in the album of files can be linked tothe associated journal entries in the displayed portion of the masterjournal so that when a user highlights a file, the associated journalentry is also highlighted, and when a user highlights a journal entry,an associated file is also highlighted, as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and25. Specifically, see 2213 and 2215, and also 2505 and 2507.

As further illustrates in FIG. 22, an alternate embodiment of the iconpalette 2203 can display icons 2207 a-2207 n that represent a pluralityof predetermined categories representing notable events in the life ofthe user. In addition, navigation links to a journal 2205, i.e., amaster journal, can be provided on the icon palette 2203. See also,navigation link 2305, icon 2307, and alternative embodiment of the iconpalette 2303 in FIG. 23. Furthermore, by clicking on a icon, forexample, 2207 b, a subcategory list can be displayed 2209, allowing theuser to navigate to an album 2211 or to the journal 2201, or to displayboth simultaneously, as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 25. Other navigationpaths and interactions are included in the embodiments, as understood bythose skilled in the arts.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for a member to allowrestricted access to the member's account to a visitor, as illustratedin FIG. 28. The user, in this case a member, creates the login name 2811and password 2813 for the visitor 2809, through a visitor accessconfiguration screen 2801 as illustrated in FIG. 28. Through the visitoraccess configuration screen or screens, the member determines the accesslevel for the visitor on a file by file basis 2803, on an album by albumbasis 2805, on a category by category basis 2807, or a combination ofthese as understood by those skilled in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention include a randomizer module 2901for displaying a slide show of randomized files responsive to usercriteria. The user specifies a file for inclusion in a slide show ofrandomized files 2611 through the questionnaire 2600, as illustrated inFIG. 26. Configured through a randomizer setup screen 2901, asillustrated in FIG. 29, the randomizer module can display the slide showon the display device attached to the user computer and external devices2917, such as, electronic picture frames and televisions. The user canname, save, and retrieve a particular randomizer configuration 2905. Theuser criteria can include one or more categories to display 2903, aquantity of files to select 2907, a start date 2909, an end date 2911, aduration the selected files will be presented by the program 2913, and anumber of cycles to repeat selection and presentation 2915. An exampleembodiment, as illustrated on FIG. 29, indicates that in the first cycle50 files will be randomly selected from the checked categories,including marriage, family, children, friends, school, music, travel,and pets. The selection will be restricted to files with event dates onor between Jan. 25, 2007 and Jan. 25, 2008. The files will be displayedfor 30 minutes, and then a new 50 files will be selected and availablefor display for 30 minutes. This process will repeat for five cycles.The files will be displayed on a USB picture frame.

As illustrated in FIGS. 30A and 30B, the randomizer module canconsecutively display images 3002, 3004 on an electronic picture frame3001. For example, a first image 3002 can show a present 3003 having abow 3005 prior to being opened, and a second image can show theaftermath of opening the present, including a toy 3011, an open box3007, and a discarded ribbon 3009.

Embodiments of the present invention include a method 3100 of filemanagement, as illustrated in FIG. 31. The method can include a start3101. The method can include prompting a user for login information3103. The login information can include a username, a password, and astatus to thereby allow complete access to a member and restrictedaccess to a visitor. The method can also include displaying an iconpalette on a display device to the user 3105. The icon palette has apalette boundary and includes icons representing a plurality ofpredetermined categories representing notable events in a life of theuser. The method can include assigning one of a plurality of unsortedfiles to at least one of the plurality of predetermined categoriesthrough a user action so that dragging and dropping one of the pluralityof unsorted files across the palette boundary onto an icon on the iconpalette assigns the file to one of the plurality of predeterminedcategories 3107. The method can include prompting the user to fill out aquestionnaire associated with the file responsive to the user actionassigning the file to the predetermined category 3109. The questionnairecan include album data, a journal entry, event information, and displayinformation. The method can include temporarily storing the file anddata associated with the questionnaire in a database on a local computer3111 so that the user can assign files and fill out questionnaires inthe event of slow or interrupted communication with the remote server.The method can include storing the file and data associated with thequestionnaire in a database on a remote server 3113 so that the user canaccess the file and associated data through an electronic communicationsnetwork. The method can also include aggregating individual journalentries into one master journal for the user 3115. The method caninclude displaying a portion of the master journal on the display deviceresponsive to user criteria so that a user can view journal entries fora category, a particular date range, or files in an album 3117. Themethod can include displaying an album of assigned files usingpre-selected formats on the display device 3119, responsive toquestionnaires associated with the files. Each file is associated withthe same predetermined category of the plurality of predeterminedcategories representing notable events in a life of the user. The methodcan include specifying in a database files for inclusion in a slide showof randomized files 3121. The method can include randomly selecting aset of files from the specified files responsive to user criteria 3123and displaying randomly selected set of files in the slide show on adisplay device 3125. The method can also include repeating the steps ofrandomly selecting and displaying the set of files in the slide showresponsive to user criteria 3127. The method can include an end or stop3129.

Embodiments of the present invention include a method 3200 of filemanagement, as illustrated in FIG. 32. The method can include a start3201. The method can include establishing a recipient entity foracquiring ownership rights to files 3203. The method can include storingin a database a plurality of files assigned by a user to a plurality ofcategories representing notable events in a life of the user so that theuser can access the plurality of files through an electroniccommunications network 3205. The method can include storing in thedatabase a master journal for the user where the master journalincluding individual journal entries by the user and each journal entryis associated with one or more files of the plurality of files 3207. Themethod can include prompting the user through a questionnaire to selecta trigger event for making publicly available a file of the plurality offiles and an associated journal entry and to approve legal terms so thatthe user can designate a portion of the plurality of files andassociated journal entries to be made publicly available after theselected trigger event 3209. The method can include receiving ownershiprights by the recipient entity from the user according to theuser-approved legal terms for the designated portion of the plurality offiles and associated journal entries 3211. The method can includeproviding access to third parties to the designated portion of theplurality of files and associated journal entries after theuser-selected trigger event 3213. The method can include verifying adeath of the user through a published obituary or a contact listsupplied by the user through the questionnaire 3215. Embodiments canfurther include verification through a death certificate or governmentaldatabase. The method can also include creating a journal entry for theuser recording the death of the user 3217. The method can include an endor stop 3219.

Embodiments of the present invention include a method of filemanagement. The method can include displaying an icon palette on adisplay device to a user 3105. The icon palette includes iconsrepresenting predetermined categories associated with a life of theuser. The method can also include assigning a file to a predeterminedcategory through a user action so that dragging and dropping the fileonto an icon on the icon palette assigns the file to the predeterminedcategory 3107. The method can include prompting the user to fill out aquestionnaire associated with the file responsive to the user actionassigning the file to the predetermined category 3109. The questionnaireincludes album data, a journal entry, event information, and displayinformation. The method can further include displaying an album of filesin pre-selected formats on the display device, responsive to thequestionnaires associated with the files 3119.

Embodiments of the present invention include a method of file managementfor a randomizer module. The method includes specifying in a database aplurality of files for inclusion in a slide show of randomized files sothat only appropriate files are displayed 3121. Each file of theplurality of files has been assigned to at least one predeterminedcategory associated with a life of the user through a user action. Themethod includes storing the plurality of files and the database on aremote server so that a user can access the plurality of files and thedatabase through an electronic communications network 3113. The methodalso includes randomly selecting a set of files from the plurality offiles specified in the database for inclusion in the slide showresponsive to user criteria 3123. The user criteria includes a number offiles to display, a start date of the files, an end date for the files,a duration to display the files, and a number of repetitions beforeselecting new files so that the user can tailor the randomized slideshow for an audience. The user criteria also include a list ofcategories from which to draw files. The user can name, save, andretrieve the user criteria for a particular configuration. The methodincludes displaying the randomly selected set of files in the slide showon a display device 3125. The method includes repeating the steps ofrandomly selecting and displaying the set of files in the slide showresponsive to user criteria 3128.

Embodiments of the present invention include a system of filemanagement, storage, and display. The system includes a first computerserver associated with a file management provider defining a filemanagement server, the file management server being positioned tomanage, store, and retrieve files and associated data. The system alsoincludes a plurality of second computers associated with a plurality ofusers defining user computers, each user computer in communication withthe file management server through an electronic communications network.The system further includes a computer program product associated withuser computer as discussed below.

Embodiments of the present invention include a computer program product,stored on a tangible computer memory media, operable on a computer, thecomputer program product including a set of instructions that, whenexecuted by the computer, cause the computer to perform variousoperations. The operations include displaying an icon palette on adisplay device to a user. The icon palette includes icons correspondingto a plurality of predetermined categories representing notable eventsin a life of the user. The operations also include assigning a file toat least one predetermined category through a user action so thatdragging and dropping the file onto an icon on the icon palette assignsthe file to the predetermined category. The operations include promptingthe user to fill out a questionnaire associated with a file responsiveto the user action assigning the file to the predetermined category. Thequestionnaire can include any additional predetermined categories, albumdata, a journal entry, event information, and display information. Theoperations further include displaying an album of files in pre-selectedformats on the display device, responsive to the questionnairesassociated with the files.

As illustrated in FIG. 33, embodiments of the present invention includea computer program product 3301, stored on a tangible computer memorymedia 3305, operable on a computer 3303, the computer program productincluding a set of instructions 3307 that, when executed by thecomputer, cause the computer to perform various operations. Theoperations include storing in a database a plurality of files assignedby a user to a plurality of categories representing notable events in alife of the user so that the user can access the plurality of filesthrough an electronic communications network 3309. The operationsinclude storing in the database a master journal for the user where themaster journal comprising individual journal entries by the user andeach journal entry associated with one or more files of the plurality offiles 3311. The operations include prompting the user through aquestionnaire to select a trigger event for making publicly available afile of the plurality of files and an associated journal entry and toapprove legal teems so that the user can designate a portion of theplurality of files and associated journal entries to be made publiclyavailable after the selected trigger event 3313. The operations includelogging a receipt of ownership rights by a recipient entity from theuser according to the user-approved legal terms for the designatedportion of the plurality of files and associated journal entries 3315.The operations include providing access to third parties to thedesignated portion of the plurality of files and associated journalentries after the user-selected trigger event 3317. The operationsinclude verifying a death of the user through a published obituary or acontact list supplied by the user through the questionnaire 3319. Theoperations include creating a journal entry for the user recording thedeath of the user 3321.

As illustrated in FIG. 34, a file management machine 3400 can include acomputer, having a memory 3401 having stored therein program product3402, a processor 3403, and an input-output interface, or an I/O device3404. The file management machine can include the file managementcomputer 3400 as a separate component, module, program product, orserver within an internal network of servers comprising the system. Inthis way, the file management computer may be configured as a pluralityof computers or servers connected via a local area network (LAN) or widearea network (WAN). The file management system can be configured toinclude a file management machine 3400 further communicating through itsI/O device 3404 with a database server 3405, a telecommunicationsinterface 3407, a web server 3406, and other equipment and components asunderstood by those skilled in the art. See also FIGS. 4, 5, and 7.

Other architectures, implementations, and organizations will beunderstood by those skilled in the art to be included within theembodiments of the present invention. Program products can beimplemented in a variety of software and programming languages,including without limitation hypertext markup language (“HTML”), Java,C, C++, XML, JavaScript, and others as understood by those skilled inthe art. Multi-processor computers, cloud computing, server farms,multiple computer systems, multiple databases and storage devices(including hierarchies of storage and access), and other implementationswill be recognized by those having skill in the art as encompassedwithin the embodiments of the present invention. For example, a singlecomputer, a plurality of computers, a server, or server cluster orserver farm may be employed, and this disclosure does not limit anyconfiguration of computers and servers for each. Moreover, each may bedeployed as at a server farm, data center or server cluster managed by aserver host, and the number of servers and their architecture andconfiguration may be increased based on usage, demand, and capacityrequirements for the system. Moreover, embodiments include clusters ofcomputers, servers, storage devices, display devices, and componentsinteracting together, as understood by those skilled in the art.

A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that varioustypes of memory are readable by a computer such as described herein,e.g., user computer, file management computer server, or other computersand machine within embodiments of the present invention. Examples ofcomputer readable media include but are not limited to: nonvolatile,hard-coded type media such as read only memories (ROMs), CD-ROMs, andDVD-ROMs, or erasable, electrically programmable read only memories(EEPROMs), recordable type media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives,CD-R/RWs, DVD-RAMs, DVD-R/RWs, DVD+R/RWs, flash drives, memory sticks,and other newer types of memories, and transmission type media such asdigital and analog communication links. For example, such media caninclude operating instructions, as well as instructions related to thesystem and the method steps described above and can operate on acomputer. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that suchmedia can be at other locations instead of or in addition to filemanagement computer server to store program products, e.g., includingsoftware, thereon.

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to and thebenefit of: U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/028,232,filed Sep. 16, 2013, titled “Machine, Computer Readable Medium, andComputer-Implemented Method for File Management, Storage, and Display,”which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser.No. 12/620,995, filed Nov. 18, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,538,966, titled“Machine, Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method for FileManagement, Storage, and Access Utilizing a User-Selected TriggerEvent,” which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/116,814, by Reese et al., titled “System,Program Product, and Method for File Management, Storage, and Retrieval”filed Nov. 21, 2008; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/116,831, by Reese et al., titled “System, Program Product, and Methodfor File Management, Storage, and Retrieval” filed Nov. 21, 2008; U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/116,862, by Reese et al.,titled “System, Program Product, and Method for File Management,Storage, and Retrieval” filed Nov. 21, 2008; U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/116,894, by Reese et al., titled “System,Program Product, and Method for File Management, Storage, and Retrieval”filed Nov. 21, 2008; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/116,914, by Reese et al., titled “System, Program Product, and Methodfor File Management, Storage, and Retrieval” filed Nov. 21, 2008, all ofwhich are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.This application also relates to: U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/620,944, by Reese et al., titled “Machine, Program Product, andComputer-Implemented Method for File Management, Storage, and Display”filed on Nov. 18, 2009; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/440,871, byReese, et al., titled “Machine, Computer Readable Medium, andComputer-Implemented Method For File Management, Storage, and Displayfiled on Apr. 5, 2012; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/620,963, byReese et al., titled “Machine, Program Product, and Computer-ImplementedMethod for File Management and Storage” filed on Nov. 18, 2009; U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/621,059, by Reese et al., titled“Machine, Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method forRandomized Slide Show of Files” filed on Nov. 18, 2009, now abandoned;and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/621,033, by Reese et al., titled“Machine, Program Product, and Computer-Implemented Method for FileManagement, Storage, and Display in Albums Utilizing a Questionnaire”filed on Nov. 18, 2009, now abandoned, all of which are eachincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tothe mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to belimited to the illustrated embodiments disclosed, and that modificationsand other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope ofthe appended claims.

That claimed is:
 1. A file management machine to perform file managementoperations associated with a plurality of files through user action, thefile management machine comprising: a first computer configured as afile management server adapted to communicate through an electroniccommunications network with a plurality of remotely located usercomputer devices associated with a plurality of users and configured asthe user computer devices, each of the user computer devices beingremote from the file management server, the file management serverhaving one or more processors and one or more memory elements; and acomputer program on the file management server and stored in the memory,the computer program comprising a set of instructions that, whenexecuted by the file management server, cause the file management serverto perform operations comprising: causing display of an icon palette toa user on one of the plurality of remotely located user computerdevices; the icon palette having a palette boundary and iconsrepresenting a plurality of predetermined categories representingnotable events in a life of a user, assigning one of the plurality offiles to one or more of the plurality of predetermined categoriesresponsive to user action whereby responsive to dragging and droppingone of the plurality of files onto a selected one of the icons on theicon palette by a user further causes the file management server toexecute the operations of: extracting a copy of the file from a memoryelement associated with the respective remotely located user computerdevices, and transferring the copy of the file through the electroniccommunications network to the one or more memory elements associatedwith the file management server, and establishing a relation between thefile and the respective predetermined category represented by theselected icon, and repeating the operation of the assigning for eachother of the plurality of files to thereby define a plurality of memberuploaded files, associating each of the plurality of uploaded files withone or more of a plurality of albums responsive to user selectionthereof, and assigning the access restrictions to each of plurality ofaccounts, each access configuration providing user-selected access toone or more subsets of the plurality of uploaded files according to oneor more of the following bases: a file-by-file basis, an album-by-albumbasis, and a category-by-category basis.